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February Edition 2018 REPROGRAMING CITIZENS TO ADAPT FOR SUCCESS. ARE WE PREPARED TO LIVE IN A SUCCESSFUL COUNTY? BRAND NEW ELECTION TOURISM RE-CYCLE BEAST JOBS! Inside this “SWEETHEART” issue… Register of Deeds, Dormis Miller Retires. See what “Mr. Deeds” himself has to say about it….Additional feature with love of his Hey! Who’s the life, Jane. real hero here? County Mayor & State Rep Weigh in on Cover Is it all smoke After New Director of Schools named. What and mirrors is Jennifer Fields going to do different? or could we C Gala Agape Holds Successful Evening C actually be Local Sweethearts found again after 50 turning a years, then married. corner? Campbell County Rotary Rocks Distribution Election Petitions up to date Cougar Sports Foodie…SUBSATIONAL Deli Motherhood… And more… SCHOOLS Sales MANUFACTURING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS FAMILIES? ENTERTAINMENT? HEALTH CARE? SENIORS? 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 2 Publisher- Kelli Jo Wright Online Sports, Editor/Preview Videographer, Preview Editor, Sports Editor- Writer- John Writer Writer Muse Jeremy Young Patrick Pebley Contributing Ad Development, Writer Jim Website Administrative Dossett Development Assistant Robey Carmen Roberts Ward

Volunteer times Campbell county preview page 3 FROM THE Thank you for reading the Volunteer Times first Preview edition in digital only format. Our new platform is being viewed by thousands of local people, just PUBLISHER like you, who care deeply about our wonderful community. Here is how you can help make us better, bigger and stronger. When you read this pass it along on social media or email our link to a friend. Say something nice about us when you post. (We LOVE that) If you know of a wonderful story or article that needs to be told, feel free to let us know. Also, if you have the time on your hands and want to take on the task yourself, simply submitt it. You see, we are all in this together. Each and everyone of our citizens in this county know of great stories that are yet to be published. Why should staff writers get all the credit when many of you out there are just as talented? There is no way the seven of us can know everything remarkable that happens within our boundaries therefore we will rely on your input from time to time. This is your paper and publication as much as ours and we want its content to make you proud by reflecting your views and inspirations. Enjoy the February edition and thank you for reading. Kelli Jo Wright, Publisher Inside this issue KKKK 1 Cover 17 Local Parks & Recreation Story 2 Meet the Staff & Mission 18 Dormas & Jane Miller Sweethearts 3 From the Publisher/Guide 19 Mr. Deed’s continued 4 Coming soon & Political Food 4 20 Hello Motherhood by Lindsey thought Bradley 5 Dennis Powers & Gala Agape 21Times on Social Media 6 Exchange students visit rotary/school 22 Dormas & Jane Miller Continued 23 Rotary Services local school 7 Robbie Goins Sherriff plans to run 24 Rotary Continued 8 EL Morton- Addresses Times cover aspect 25 Foodie “Subsational Deli” 9 Times on Social Media 26 Foodie cont. -Ayers Given Scout Award 10 John & Hilda…A Love Story 27 EL Cover continued 11 A Love Story Continued 28 Sports Cougar Cover 12 Jeremy’s Journey 29 Meet the Cougars 13 Dormas Miller “Mr. Deeds” Retires 30 CCHS Football Banquet pics 14 New Director of schools Fields Q & A 31Pat’s Place – Remembering Rex Hickey 15 LaF. City Updates- Jimmy Jeffries 32 Pat’s Wrestling – Home & Garden 33 EL Continued 16 Pat on Politics

Volunteer times Campbell County Preview Page 4 Food for Thought on Election appetites By Kelli Jo Wright Well of course no specific individual, man or woman, is going to ride in with a white hat (or cape for that matter) and save the day. Honey, that ship has sailed. The purpose of our cover is to get you to look and think for yourself about our upcoming elections. Are you being sold that something is working? Are you being sold that it’s not? It’s very important to be an informed voter and educated citizen about the past, current state and projected growth of our great county. But how do we look at this objectively and determine who may be the best candidate to complete or begin a project? The answer isn’t always simple. Many great people in our community with experienced leadership are both currently holding offices and knocking on the door for election. Often in smaller towns such as ours, it frequently gets down to the nitty-gritty of who we like better. That’s not the intelligent way to vote of course. But if you are torn between two and they both possess what you are seeking in a candidate, odds have it, you’re going to default to your “personal” favorite. Here is the good news: Our comic cover was deliberate in bringing out the possibilities and potential we have locally to indeed re-brand. Our Mr. Campbell County (CC) was to give you the idea that there could be a hero to ride in and make everything better, but we want you to be aware, that hero is reading this now. We at the Times allowed incumbents to put forth this month their accomplishments as moving forward (6 months out from election) all media outlets must be conscious to not allow bias to any candidates. After this publication, the monthly news releases you are used to seeing will cease until after elections. However, each candidate will be given a platform here at the Times and we are currently putting together a video program to give each a voice that can be shared and communicated. Thus, we want to give you more knowledge for decision making when casting your vote. Informed voters, are heroes because they really can, and will save the day. They begin to think twice before flipping a switch and ponder what really matters. Are you voting for this individual because of their sex, family name, a good deed they did for the community, or because they are hands down, in your opinion, the best, most experienced and prepared one for the job? COMING SOON Candidates get Candid If you are running for a public office, please get in touch with the Volunteer Times @ 423.912.8873 to schedule your free candidate video outline. These will be published on all candidates by the Times in an effort of community outreach to inform voters. The Round Table Video Series A group of 6 experienced individuals on many given topics come together to discuss various resources, ideas, issues and solutions. This will be a monthly program beginning in April of 2018 and only here at the Volunteer Times. The Influence Series Citizens that stands out, individually, will be interviewed up close and personal allowing our community to draw knowledge and encouragement from those who have achieved success in areas of their life. Monthly program beginning in April of 2018 and only here at the Volunteer Times. Home & Garden Do you know someone who has an unusual home or remodel project? Even a residence with domestic décor that has gone over the top that you would love to see featured? Contact us and let us know as we would love to add them to the list of amazing homes here in our area to feature. Community Drug Forum This March the Times will host a Community Drug forum at Campbell County High school involving panel discussion from various local and state representatives experienced with our local problem. The forum will focus on solutions and resources. Keep watching for our separate release on this community event. One Click Real Estate Coming in April to our new website updates with one click on www.thevolunteertimes.com. you will be able to view ALL local real estate from all brokers in one convenient location. Easy to share, easy to view. Check out video tours as well.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 5 With the second half of the 110th General Even locally, we are seeing the results of our work in Assembly now in full swing, legislators are Nashville. Over the last 7 years, we have fostered a fruitful busy working in Nashville as bills make economic environment through a successful partnership their way through the House committee with the Department of Economic and Community system. This year, we are once again Development that has reduced unemployment in Campbell focused on supporting common-sense County from 13.7% in Jan. 2011 to 4.1% in Dec. 2017. initiatives to aid with a broad range of I also served on the Tennessee House Speaker’s Opioid issues, all of which will help ensure Task Force as we traveled across the state, and together with Tennessee remains positioned for future local government agencies, we are fighting to address our Dennis Powers State prosperity. state’s opioid epidemic through initiatives like the landmark Representative Unlike Washington, D.C., lawmakers in Tennessee Together plan that attacks the problem on all cut taxes so we all Tennessee have worked together to pass have more money in our pocket at the end fronts. of the month, and My colleagues and I have also worked to be responsible bills that limit government intrusion in our that help create an environment that daily lives, that d expand in Tennessee. encourages businesses to locate an stewards of your tax dollars, including my own initiative to Under conservative leadership, Tennessee is a better place hold our federal government accountable for their spending to live, work, and raise a family than at any time in the past — just like we are held accountable here in Tennessee — — and we have the facts to back it up. through a balanced budget amendment which I sponsored Based on recent economic reports, our state is #1 in the that makes the federal government balance their budget Southeast and #2 in the entire United States for job growth every year like we must do here in Tennessee. over the last year. Since 2011, nearly 400,000 net new private There is no doubt in the years ahead that our state will also sector jobs have been created. And thanks to things like tort face challenges. However, I remain confident we can reform and the overhaul of our workers’ compensation overcome future obstacles by continuing to implement our system, more Tennesseans have a job today than at any single shared conservative principles: making government more point in our state history. efficient and eliminating waste where possible, eliminating In September, our unemployment rate reached the lowest bureaucratic red tape so our businesses can thrive, and percentage ever seen. Since taking over the majority in 2011, keeping Tennessee taxes as low as possible. the Republican General Assembly, with the help of Governor As we push ahead during the 2018 legislative session, the Haslam, has cut twice as much in taxes than any other General Assembly is energized to once again follow your Administration or General Assembly before us, including instruction as we move into the new year. Instead of looking eliminating the inheritance tax and gift tax, reducing the sales back to an era of failed policies, we ask that you continue to tax on food multiple times, and passing legislation to support the progress that has been made since 2011 by re- completely phase out the Hall tax by 2022. electing a strong Republican majority in the state legislature. In return, we give you our word to continue building on our prior successes to make Tennessee an even better place to call home. Friday night was the first Gala Agape presented by board members of the Campbell County Christian Learning Center as a fundraiser for the center planning to offer classes for CCHS students in Aug of 2018. The event was held at the Stables in LaFollette and boasted a little over 200 tickets sold for the first ever semi-formal event. Performances by the Christian Lange quartet and later ballroom dancers from Knoxville completed the evening’s entertainment. Local youth volunteered to help serve the guests diner directly to their table to complete the evening. Release time Bible study will be the first ever offered in Tennessee, but the board hopes once it’s successful here it will grow around the region. The program is modeled from other very successful programs in surrounding states. What the CLC will offer is the opportunity for a high school student to take Bible curriculum as an elective class. The classes will be held at Hillcrest Baptist church which is a short walk but off school campus grounds for students of CCHS.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 6 Local Exchange Students visit Rotary and Valley View Elementary School and Share Experiences Local exchange student from Russia, Montenegro, Brazil and Germany spent the afternoon with the South Campbell County Rotary Club sharing their experiences of their time in the US. Later the students went to Christy Allen’s kindergarten class at Valley View Elementary. The students read to the children and assisted them in taking AR tests in the computer lab. Later they helped the children write their names using letters from some different languages. It’s a Small World After All

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 7 Sheriff Robbie Goins Announces Re- For the latest updates on the local Election Bid for 3rd shooting log on to Term www.thevolunteertimes.com Awards, Certifications and Grants: The sheriff’s office has been Touts Dedicated Staff, Law Enforcement recognized nearly every year by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office Accomplishments and Community Involvement for its exemplary efforts of its officers in D.U.I. and drug enforcement, along with, its highway safety efforts. The newly expanded Campbell Jacksboro, TN- Campbell County Sheriff Robbie K. Goins announced this County Jail has been state certified for the first time in over a quarter morning his intentions to seek a 3rd term for the office of Campbell County Sheriff. Sheriff Robbie Goins was elected sheriff in 2010 with an overwhelming century. Nearly $300,000 in grants have been awarded by the majority and was re-elected in 2014 with over 72% of the vote. Sheriff Goins Tennessee Highway Safety Office and utilized by deputies. We have also said, I am seeking a 3rd term because we still have important work to do partnered with Children’s Hospital of East Tennessee in grants giving together. When I took office in 2010 methamphetamine labs were a children free bicycle helmets and child safety seats to parents totaling demonstrable problem. We’ve whittled that down to nearly nothing today. nearly $50,000. Now, we are being overrun by the opioid crisis and I believe we have so much to do and my staff has, and is, working hard every day to fight this problem in Jail: Led by a dedicated jail staff, the newly needed jail expansion its many ugly forms. We need your prayers.” opened a few years ago creating over 300 inmate beds for housing. A yearly average of over 3,000 arrestees come through the booking office Since Goins was elected in 2010 the sheriff’s office has grown in many areas of the Campbell County Jail. The new jail also received, for the first time and garnered many accomplishments, along with, many law enforcement in over a quarter century, its prized state certification. Almost 300,000 actions. Since 2010 the sheriff’s office has answered and initiated almost 110,000 calls for service. Sheriff Goins calls it, “Unprecedented. The amount meals are served from the jail kitchen every year. of calls over these last several years is a prime example of the leadership and School Resource Officers: The sheriff’s SRO program has placed a hard work of this fine staff and they have my full confidence and support. I deputy in nearly every Campbell County School for law enforcement would put them up against anyone, anytime. It also proves the need for our presence and safety. It’s a one of a kind division in our area. It’s 13 office and the call for new and better resources.” deputies are placed all across Campbell County Schools by working with The fruits and labors of our sheriff’s office is laid out in the following the Campbell County School Board, Director of Schools, Campbell accomplishments since 2010: County Commission, along with cooperation from, school principals, Drugs: Nearly $500,000 in illegal drug money profits have been seized from teachers, students, parents and other staff. The SRO’s provide many drug dealers and reused into new drug abuse investigations. Nearly 150 services aside from direct law enforcement duties that include; teach vehicles have been seized from drug related investigations that were proven the new anti-drug L.E.A.D. Program to school children. They are trained to be connected to the sell of drugs and when awarded, sold at public auction. in child passenger safety seat installation, hosting 4 checkpoints in The office has generated nearly $165,000 in monies from the sale of property Campbell County, where 108 families were served. The SRO’s provide connected to drug offenses at public auctions. Nearly 200 people have been law enforcement and safety enforcement at every home game for indicted by the grand jury through drug investigations and prosecuted in football, basketball and soccer sports at our schools. The SRO’s have criminal court. Nearly 500 other drug offense related arrests have been made since 2010. The office has logged nearly 250 arrests for drunk or drugged investigated and criminally charged individuals for several serious driving since 2010. Since 2010 the sheriff’s office has educated nearly 3,000 threats and actions against our schools and children. school children with D.A.R.E. and the newly created L.E.A.D. Program that Corporals: Just recently, by working with county officials, we were able educates school aged children in the dangers of drugs. to promote first time ever corporal positions into the chain of command, streamlining the structure of the office to be more effective Community Involvement: The sheriff’s office has been ultimately dedicated to and efficient for our citizens at no extra burden to taxpayers. its community in many ways including the presence at: Hosting the Sheriff’s Back to School Bash and serving thousands of Campbell County children, as K-9 Program: Just this year the sheriff authorized the expansion of the well as, working with the school system and many other great organizations. office’s K-9 Unit bringing it to its largest and most fruitful to date for a Replacement blood drives for people in need, Church Safety and Security total of 3 K9's on duty full time, including the first ever K-9 assigned Seminars, National Night Out, Louie Bluie and many other community events. directly to Campbell County Schools. We participate and work with Habitat for Humanity, Tennessee Valley “It is with the most humble of heart that I thank you and your family for Coalition for the Homeless, Shepherds Home, TVA, Food Life Services, Open Arms Ministry, Senior Citizens Center, the Campbell County Historical Society, allowing me to serve as your sheriff. It's an honor and privilege. We’ve been through a lot together. We’ve seen suffering together and we’ve Community Health of East Tennessee and many other churches and non- profit organizations. We also provide the adoption and cleanup for 9 seen sacrifice together. We’ve also accomplished many successes cemeteries in Campbell County. We paint schools, classrooms, sporting field together. We have so much more work to do together and I look houses, Campbell County Chamber of Commerce office and many others with forward to it. Our campaign together has never really stopped. We inmate labor and no cost to taxpayers. strive every day to provide you and your family with the best possible service we can give you. Perfect we’re not, but proud we remain. I am so proud of my hardworking and dedicated staff. I could not do it without them or your heartfelt support and prayers. I ask you and your family, again this year, to support my reelection, ours, so our services can continue together.” said Sheriff Robbie K. Goins Happy Valentine’s Day Campbell County… Enjoy your day of LOVE, ALL month long!

Volunteer times Campbell County Preview Page 8 In Next Month’s Issue of the Volunteer Times Preview we will have the 25 Anniversary of th Economic Development in the Blizzard of 93 feature. Sent us your Campbell County Today Blizzard photos from 93 Also, the Volunteer Times CCHS Basketball By E.L. Morton, County Mayor Awards Economics, jobs, budgets, market Businesses that survived became much year and immediately launched into volatility, revenues, education funding, leaner, but most lost some jobs in the expansion mode, and they forecast interest rates, election outcomes and process. So, how did our job growth another 100 jobs in Jellico by Summer. trade agreements are issues I used to occur and in what employment That project is alongside the new hear about on the 6 o’clock news as a sectors? county rail spur and Jellico’s city kid and wonder what the fuss was all Part of the formula was that the owned industrial building. Protect the about. Since then, we have thrown in businesses that survived the recession Force Manufacturing is in its second internet connectivity, broadband access adapted well and they have a good year leasing space in the county’s and cell phone signal strength to the outlook for the future. Those dynamics industrial building in the McGhee mix. Obviously, those things impact our enabled Austin Powder to come back a Industrial Park near the National Guard lives. As adults, we place more couple of years ago alongside a Armory in Jacksboro. They have 53 emphasis on them as we gain regional resurgence in road employees and are very aggressively understanding of how they affect quality construction. The state legislature gaining contracts. Across the street, of life for the people around us. created a transportation plan last year Pro Image Wholesale Signs is growing Campbell County citizens are the most that spurred businesses like asphalt contracts too. That street is scheduled connected and well informed people in and concrete plants on Exit 141 in for a new paving when the weather the history of the planet. We have ready Caryville. breaks this spring- it’s first resurfacing access to this type of information in in two decades, and the Industrial minute detail and we are paying We stand at roughly 200 more Access road renovation from Exit 141 attention. My job is to optimize those jobs than we lost in the past four years. to the Erschell Collins Industrial Park factors every day to make life better Solid employers like DeRoyal, is underway now. Greater investment tomorrow than it was yesterday. So how Campos, Matix, Camel and our in the power grid continues to bolster are we doing? Let’s take a look. tourism sector have been steady and Campbell County as a business slowly growing along with the recent location with the very latest in power JOBS additions. Our family owned machine grid technology. LaFollette Utilities is More Tennesseans have jobs shops have continued to improve pouring in another $8.5M in upgrades today than any time in state history with through tough markets too. Pay rates while TVA is improving by $3M near an unemployment rate of 3.6%. So how have risen at the same time. Telos and the Collins Park site. does Campbell County fare with regard the B/S/H Lab in Caryville are adding EDUCATION to jobs? Not quite 3.6%, but close. At good paying jobs. Telos has hired the time of this writing, Campbell nearly every worker at $18/hour or The Tennessee Promise and County has an Unemployment Rate of higher. Some are much higher than Reconnect Scholarships are game 4.1%. The ‘great recession’ had quite a that. B/S/H added two Engineers last changers for our state’s competitive stranglehold on our rural economy for fall that should exceed $65K in the stance. With our expanding Roane much longer than the bigger towns in second year, and Matix offers State Campus in LaFollette and our Tennessee, so we are 10% below $13/hour and medical benefits for TCAT in Jacksboro, Campbell County average for the state. However, 4.1% is many entry level positions. It’s a good is postured to take full advantage of also the nation’s unemployment rate. thing for workers when Wal-Mart those dollars and the skilled workers Most economic models consider full starts part time workers at $11/hr. they produce. Our part of the equation employment at around 5%, so by that INFRASTRUCTURE is K-12 and improving the public standard, we have exceeded full school experience and our academic employment. Neighboring states like Locally, the Campbell County results. Georgia have strong economies, but the Commission invested in a power grid Over the past three years, tax base Department of Labor shows the Peach upgrade that solidified an advanced growth has been small, but it has State at 4.4% unemployment today. So manufacturing electrical supply for a enabled small increases in our schools by that measure, slightly below average generation in Campbell County. That funding, to the point where I expect we for the state, but average for the nation investment paid off for not only Telos will see Campbell County Public and statistically outpacing Georgia, with Global at the former A&S site, but Schools exceed BEP minimums by the Atlanta economic engine doing all it shortly thereafter, B/S/H Thermador $200K for FY 18/19. While some can do. announced a Caryville expansion school systems fund more and some where PACA and Mountain Defense The great recession took away once operated. The B/S/H Expansion fund less, this funding is a strong trend companies like Austin Powder, A&S was a head to head competition with and it bolsters our brand as a county to Steel, PACA Body Armor, Mountain Anderson County and we fortunately say we have increased school funding Defense Body Armor, the entire coal brought those jobs to Caryville. Better and exceeded BEP for three mining economy and others. consecutive years. Continued on Pg 27 Made Trailers bought Bushtec last

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VOLUNTEER TIMES CAMPBELL COUNTY PREVIEW PAGE 10 Hilda Haley John and Hilda Anderson as as a young woman. they sat together to tell their story of love. John Anderson when he was a project manager for General Electric. Writer’s Note: There are many wonderful love stories across our beautiful county. These are two that I felt deserve to be read. To see these couples look at each other, is to see what love looks like. Have their lives been a bed of perfect roses? Absolutely not. But they take life as it comes, together. Love and marriage is a partnership. It’s not about one person over the other. These couples exemplify that. It can’t work if the marriage is like two people sitting in a canoe rowing in opposite directions. These individuals have faced different journeys of troubled waters, winds and waves in life, but they continue to row… Together! Love finds its way back: John and Hilda Anderson Campbell County Historical Society and By Jeremy Z. Young Museum since returning to the county, thought of her letters from John. “For many years we didn’t know The first time John Anderson proposed to As an electrical engineer, John’s first job whether the other one was living or dead,” Hilda Haley it was 1944. He was 22 and she after the war was working on the lighting at Hilda said. “I still had his letters.” was 19. The infatuation had been building for the top of the Empire State Building in New Hilda told of how her children knew several years since they first met. York. During this time, he met his first wife John’s father was an auditor for a coal who he would be married to for 45 years of John, and her husband Pat knew of John. mining company in Dante, Virginia, about 40 before her passing. The letters, tied in a blue ribbon, had been in a drawer for all the years that had passed. She miles north of Abingdon. Hilda’s aunt, Polly John was in charge of high voltage still had contact information for John’s Butler, was his assistant. The two first met research for General Electric until his health brother, and she wanted to find out if he was over summer around the time John was 17 forced him to retire last year (2017) at the age and Hilda was 14. Her family had came from of 94. He is a member of the National still living. She wanted to have John’s Madisonville, Kentucky to visit her aunt. Academy of Engineering (NAE) and has approval before sending excerpts from these letters for historical recording, as the letters John and Hilda were in high school at the done electrical engineering work on every were personal between the two of them. time. Hilda’s father was a mining engineer in continent except Antarctica. When Hilda asked for his approval of Kentucky and Northern Tennessee. “You don’t join them [NAE], they “She became pretty interesting to join you,” John said. the letters, John gave it, provided some me,” John said fondly of the young girl. John was part of a team of engineers personal things be left out. Some of the letters are now at the National Museum of the John started inviting her to Friday that went behind the Soviet “Iron Curtain” Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. night dances and their relationship began to twice exchanging engineering information. Hilda and her sister-in-law had blossom. Hilda would take a train to see him He also toured China designing a high power even after her family had returned home. laboratory for the Chinese government. He decided to visit national historic sites in John graduated from Virginia Polytechnic co-authored five books and over 50 technical Berkshire, Massachusetts. John had since married again in 1994 and still lived in Institute (VPI) and State University (Virginia papers on electrical power, and also served as Pittsfield, Massachusetts where he did most Tech) with an honor’s degree in electrical editor for a few years for GE’s transmission of his work for GE. They extended an engineering. His senior year was Hilda’s magazine. One of his jobs with GE was freshman year at the University of Tennessee, teaching professional engineers from across invitation to help pick out some of the places for Hilda and her sister-in-law to visit. Knoxville, where she met the man from the world. “We thought they would give us a list, LaFollette that she would later marry, Pat During this time, Hilda had left UT but they took that week and took us and Kerr Sharp. but later finished college and graduated from showed us around,” Hilda said. “I love “In one hand I got a diploma and in Ole Miss. In addition to having two children the other hand I got my orders from the with her husband Pat, she taught school for a history and John’s a history buff and he had Army,” John said. total of 38 years, some in Nashville, been there so long he knew all about it. It was an experience. I had never been to New John would serve during eight Memphis and Oak Ridge. Upon her England.” campaigns in the Pacific during World War husband’s retirement, she taught her last eight Another accomplishment John is II, earning eight battle stars and a Presidential years of teaching was at Valley View Citation. Unfortunately, he also had malaria Elementary after returning to Campbell proud of is that he has walked the entire and malnutrition during the war. John was a County. Pat Kerr Sharp passed away in 2004. 2,130 miles of the Appalachian Trail over numerous outings during his life. After 17 Lieutenant and then Captain in the Air Force “I loved Valley View,” she said. “We years of marriage, his second wife passed working on communications and radar. had a good principal, Donnie Poston, who let away in 2011. Sharp, Hilda’s first husband, was a Sergeant you teach and didn’t call meetings just to th in the 82 Airborne Division who completed have meetings. I had been in a large high Hilda, 86 at the time, was living at LaFollette 17 successful parachute jumps. school in Nashville for 22 years and if you Court Assisted Living Facility. John and Hilda had been emailing “He was a better man than me,” John said. were scheduled to have a meeting, you had a each other back and forth since their first re- “No, both of you were wonderful,” meeting whether you had anything to talk connection about their letters in the mid- Hilda replied. about or not.” John remembered something that Branches of the United States military 2000s. It wasn’t long before he started Hilda’s mom had said. “She told her mom and the East Tennessee Historical Society visiting her in Tennessee and the two began enjoying trips to Virginia and other places. there were only two men she would marry… had begun asking for letters between military and she married both of us.” men and women during World War II. Hilda, Continued Page 11 a volunteer with the

The Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 11 John and Hilda love story continued After a brief period, Hilda’s daughter gave her blessing for the two to be married. Hilda said that her daughter told her that at their age, they needed to enjoy every day they have. Hilda and John were married on June 11, 2011 at the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield, which was first built in 1764 and is where John had served as a deacon. John’s son and Hilda’s daughter were in attendance, giving their blessing. The two laugh together and joke together. John’s sense of humor was one of the things that drew Hilda to him. “He was always funny,” she said. “Always made me laugh.” “I asked her to marry me in 1944 and 67 years later she made up her mind,” he laughed. For the first six years of their marriage, they lived in John’s Massachusetts home, as he was still working as an electrical engineer. The 2 ½ acre property had become more than they could maintain and the couple moved to a retirement center in Lenox, Massachusetts. They continued to travel and visit extraordinary places. “We were within an hour of a Cracker Barrel in Hilda and John Anderson as they sat together to tell their story of love. New York,” Hilda said. “That was a bit of home for me.” “Being back with John has been a very joyous John continued working until he suffered a time for me,” Hilda said. stroke in February 2017. He had been working Hilda recently spent several weeks in and out with GE doing research on the best way to of the hospital with pneumonia. She said it was build a one million volt power line. The two hard to be away from him. Now, John is 95, had been planning to move back to LaFollette Hilda is 92 and they both have their own in the summer of 2017, even contacting the health issues but are blessed everyday they are staff to get a suite ready for them at LaFollette together. “I couldn’t live without her,” he said Court. Hilda first moved back in April, while as they smiled at each other. “She’s a real John was still in Virginia completing four treasure… More than I deserve. ”From the first months of rehabilitation. time I met her, I always had her in the back of Her son, Keith Sharp, helped finish their move my mind,” he continued. “But all these years by picking John and his belongings up in May. later, fate made it possible for me to marry John & Hilda before the move to “You only live this life once,” John said. her.” Assisted Living “Don’t waste it. Get a good education and don’t waste your time.” www.thevolunteertimes.com

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 12 Jeremy’z Journey Is Prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? By Jeremy Z. Young Several years ago, when I was writing for a newspaper in Knoxville, I was going back to the office from the City County Building downtown when I had a flat on the front of my car. It happens to everyone at some point and that was my time. Personally, I think that everyone should have to change a tire and check the oil before they can be licensed to drive (Hear that my kids). So I started getting the jack and spare tire from the trunk. Sweating and grunting on the side of the road on a hot summer’s day wasn’t getting my article written any quicker, but I had to get over this hump before I could get to work on it. I managed to put the tire on quick enough, but when I pulled away, the wheel was rubbing and making a racket and didn’t really want to move. There was no way I was getting home, let alone to the office with the car in that condition. So back out of the car on the side of the road, roughly 50 feet from where I had originally started, I began trying to figure out the problem. After looking at it from every angle possible, I could see the rim on my “donut” tire was rubbing against the brake caliper. I began taking the spare off, all the while having no idea what I was going to do to get this pile of c#@p to a tire shop, to the office or to get me home. When I got the spare wheel off, I flipped it upside down to see what was causing the rub. “Eureka!” I found the answer to the issue at hand, which only made me angrier at the situation. Stamped into the inside of the spare tire’s rim was the words: Spare only fits on rear. With one jack and beyond upset, entering the realm of blind rage, I put the flat back on the front, let the insanely slow scissor jack down, jacked up the rear of the car, took off a perfectly good tire only to replace it with the spare, crank-crank-crank the jack down, jack the front of the car up again, and finally put the good tire from the back of the car in place of the flat tire on the front. Wouldn’t you know it, now that I was covered in brake dust and grease, my car moved very quickly toward my office. By this time, it was about 5 p.m. (roughly two wasted hours) and I got there just in time to wash up, admire my newly ruined favorite shirt and follow everyone else out the door. Even though that spare tire safely got me home that day, I was so mad at the whole situation and completely disgusted with myself. All of this happened during a time in my life when I wasn’t I have a friend that I care for dearly and have for years. He’s more following Christ, praying, going to church or acknowledging God in like a brother than a friend. My wife has a friend she has known since the my life in any way. I had been saved as a teenager but had completely beginning of high school and they are practically the same way. We don’t fallen away from Him for several years. I thought my life would be see each other much because of our busy lives with work, kids, etc. better if I was in control – with my hands on the steering wheel. I When we do get to see each other, we are happy and spend time catching now realize a lot of my frustrations could have been eliminated if I each other up on what is going on with our lives. had just turned that control over to God in prayer. If we talked to each other every day, we wouldn’t have to catch Recently I was listening to a Christian radio station and the question up. We would already know what is happening with each other. That’s was asked, “Is prayer your steering wheel, or your spare tire?” keeping your hands on the wheel of a relationship. Admittedly, this is a This got me thinking, and eventually the old story above came bad example. But it is similar in that we have to nurture the relationship to my mind. I think God brought this back to my memory for a and talk to Christ if we are ever going to serve Him effectively. reason. Sometimes we (and I mean “I”) treat prayer the same as I The joy of a relationship with Christ is that you can speak to Him treated the spare tire that day. We whip it out in an emergency and anytime and anywhere – even on the side of the road. He is never too then get upset when it doesn’t deliver exactly what we want. We try busy to talk to. Prayer doesn’t have to be a superlative, elegant speech. It to pray ourselves out of a jam and expect God to act like our own is simply talking to God, recognizing His power, His presence and your personal Jeannie on “I dream of Jeannie.” Another way I have often need for Him in your life. You can give Him reverence and respect and said it: we treat prayer like a drive-thru – say what you want and then tell Him your troubles at the same time. If you aren’t so impatient that pull around expecting your order to be exactly what you asked for. you are looking for a bag full of answered prayers at the next pull-up Prayer doesn’t work that way. window, He can really bless you, even in times of turmoil. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” The late minister Ronald Dunn said that prayer is a secret weapon How can we do that with all the distractions, problems and stress we and it’s true. Examples: face every day? Believe me, that’s something I have to work toward 1) Prayer can be fired from any spot (anywhere you are, He will everyday too. hear you), In driving, you are supposed to keep your hands on the 2) Prayer can travel faster than the speed of light (He will hear you steering wheel at all times. As Christians, we are supposed to instantly), recognize God pointing us in the direction He has set for us at all 3) Prayer always hits the mark (His ear is always an open target), times. Just as I am bad at trying to take control away from God in my 4) Prayer often has delayed detonation (delay of an answer isn’t life, my humanity makes me want to grab the steering wheel away denial), from anyone trying to guide me, even God. 5) Satan has no defense against it! Christianity isn’t a place we visit on the weekends, and it isn’t a spare While I often fail in following Christ’s example, I know that tire for emergencies. It is our way of life – a relationship with Christ. And like any relationship, if you don’t talk to the other person, the following Him is what is best for my life – all of our lives. I, as a Christ forgiven human/sinner, am my own enemy in following Him. I pray for relationship suffers. His guidance and direction, but I also pray that “I” will not interfere with His guidance.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 13 Mr. Deeds: The Life and Retirement of public servant Dormas Miller By Jeremy Z. Young Dormas smiles for a Campbell County Register of Deeds, Dormas Miller, has spent most of his adult life serving our citizens. With photo at his desk. nearly 50 years working in and out of the county’s courthouse, Miller says now is the time to retire and get out of the courthouse, spending more time on the outdoor adventures he and his wife love. “I was born here in a log house on High Knob within two stones’ throw of where I live now,” Miller said. “I feel like I’ve been so blessed to serve the people of Campbell County for so many years. It’s been wonderful. I hope I’ve made a difference.” Miller has indeed made a difference and an impact on our community. Playing football at LaFollette Dormas stands back… High School and working at Rogers Dock was how he As he looks toward a spent his high school years. computerized registry of every “That’s where I really started making money,” piece of property in Campbell Miller laughingly said. County, he is surrounded by Dormas was an incoming sophomore when he every recorded deed, from met Jane, now his wife of 56 years (See related love Book A to Book 516. This story in this Preview edition). Jane herself was doesn’t include plat maps of beginning high school that year as a freshman. The subdivisions, cities, Trust couple dated throughout high school and married two Deeds or the county Veteran days after Jane graduated in 1961. Dormas had left registry. Campbell County after his graduation to begin working for McCall’s Printing plant in Dayton, Ohio. In the 1960’s, this 400,000 square-foot plant printed nearly 50 magazines including Redbook, Bluebook, Newsweek, Popular Science, and many others including the company’s namesake magazine started in the 1870’s, McCall’s. Shortly after marriage, the young couple made their first adventure out of Campbell County to Dayton, Ohio. The Miller’s came back to Campbell County after a little more than three years, around 1965. Dormas worked at Lee Ford as a mechanic and Jane worked in the parts department there. Dormas joined the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1969. He first served in the Knoxville area for a few years before being assigned to Campbell Above- Dormas with County. He remembered many special assignments he City of LaFollette had while working for THP, including University of Tennessee football security, serving as escort driver and Police Force security for then Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn, and serving during a Republican governor’s conference in Memphis. Miller was assigned to escort then California Left- Dormas with Gov. Ronald Reagan and New York’s Gov. Nelson Tennessee Highway Rockefeller. While those were some of the highlights, Miller humbly stated that he was just doing his job as it Patrol was assigned to him. “I shined a flashlight in ole James Earl’s face,” Miller said as he recalled being there when James Earl Ray was found after his escape from Brushy Mountain State Prison in 1977. He admitted that he wasn’t the one who found Ray after his brief 55 hours on the lam, but that he was in the small group of officers searching the mountainous areas nearby who did. “A [search] dog sniffed him out under a brush pile,” Miller continued. After years with THP, Miller was offered an opportunity to come back to Campbell County to work for R. Gene Smith at High Top Coal Company. The job was reclaiming previously mined areas on 34,000 acres owned by High Top in the Ivydale area. The company wanted to return these areas to their original, natural beauty. Miller started by cleaning up the old city dump. He coined the phrase “Our Mountains are not big enough for litter” in 1978, placing it on a log in the Ivydale area. From there he began reclaiming coal fields by planting turnips and other plants that deer like to eat. The following year saw a tremendous increase in the deer harvest there. He bought 200 wild turkey eggs from a place in Kentucky to increase their population as well. The first property deed in Campbell County, officially When coal prices decreased, the company shut down. established in 1806, is accessible not only in Book A in the Miller said one of the last reclamation projects he Register of Deeds office, but also can be pulled up in seconds worked on for the company was in the area near where on the office’s computer database by the public. the elk viewing tower now stands. CONTINUED ON Pg 19

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 14 New Director of Schools answers questions In January the Campbell County School Board Fields: In Tennessee, the allowable class size voted to approve entering into contract for K-3 is an average of 20 students per class. negotiations with Jacksboro Middle School We are in compliance with class size and in principal Jennifer Fields for the position of some schools we are certainly within the 15- director of schools, replacing the retiring 17 range. Larry Nidiffer. Q: What two things are you happy with in Fields is a long time educator with 25 years in the current school set up? the Campbell County school system. After 18 Fields: Competent teachers who are years in the classroom, the last seven have dedicated to our students and parents. Also, seen her in an administrative position. nd Beginning March 2 Fields and the board will community members who are supportive of our schools and take advantage of parent enter contract negotiations. We asked Fields improvement opportunities that benefit and several questions regarding her new support our students. position. Q: Do you consider the director's role as Q: What do you think are two or three most more working with state officials, school pressing issues facing Campbell County administrators and school staff only, or do students? you think you should engage more with Fields: 1. Technology: Students need access students? to devices they can use daily in classrooms. Fields: A school system is not an isolated 2. Attendance: The curriculum is very area. It is a system that works together at all rigorous and students can get behind quickly levels. I will take a collaborative and when they are not at school. Even an balanced approach to managing my time and excused absence with students being given making every decision based on what is best the opportunity to make up work, it is easy for our students. Our students are our most to fall behind. 3. Achievement and growth in important asset and should drive every academics. decision we make. Q: The study, \"Class Size Matters\" found that Q: In which areas would you like to see in grades K-3, Tennessee students benefited Campbell County Schools improve most over greatly when there were 15-17 kids in the class. Lower income children benefited the the tenure of your first contract? Jennifer Fields, new director of schools most from this class size. Is this something Fields: I am looking forward to setting bold stands left with current Director Larry that is happening in Campbell County? If not, goals in academics in areas of professional Nidiffer is it something you'd like to see happen? development for teachers, added technology in schools, and rising test scores. www.thevolunteertimes.com

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 15 City of LaFollette January Overview Jimmy Jeffries LaFollette City Administrator As the new year brought in frigid temperatures, Mayor Mike opened the West LaFollette Community Center as a shelter for those who needed a warm place to stay and a hot meal. Many caring citizens of Campbell County donated warm clothes, blankets, and food to the shelter. Churches and local restaurants brought in hot meals. The shelter was th held open until January 11 , when it moved to the Party Place and then on to New Horizon Baptist Church in LaFollette. The Tennessee Valley Coalition for the Homeless has extended the shelter until February 1 , st 2018, so if you are in need of a warmth, a hot meal, or if you know anyone who does, please send them here. As we break in the new year, we want to look back on a few of the More City of LaFollette Photos FUN things we accomplished this past year like… on page 16

Volunteer times Campbell County Preview page 16 LaFollette City Photos Continued Pat On Politics The Ten Year Plan by Patrick Pebley If you have paid attention to the Times Also as part of the first phase we are Fortunately, as a city, we can afford it lately, especially our Facebook Lives, you looking to increase organized parking. over the next decade in my opinion. We know that Campbell County, LaFollette, Asbury Park sees way more use than it have several new businesses opening in Jellico, and Caryville (Jacksboro chose not can handle parking wise. We have people Caryville and I hope for many more. We to participate for whatever reason) have parking in the grass and even have have an extremely low tax burden on our hired a firm to help put together a ten year people parking at nearby Caryville individual citizens but a good tax base plan to improve recreation. There have Elementary to walk over. This part of the through our funding mechanisms. If this been polls, public meetings, and private plan would see the horse shoe pits moved trend continues we will be able to meetings to put this together. Now we have and that entire area paved for parking and increase all of our services for the folks a real plan in place. would also see a graveled overflow lot we are elected to represent. I am mostly going to talk about Caryville built on the other side of the newer If you have attended, or at least as I have been part of that planning baseball field. This is the first couple of watched these meetings, you know that process. We have what I consider a very years of the plan. While that may seem there are great plans in place for all good plan in place to improve Asbury Park. like a long time for what seems like a participating municipalities. Johnny Byrge One of the big things we must do, and we small amount of work, I know many is doing great with LaFollette's are in the first phase of the plan, is become people who probably think we could pull Recreation Department, Jake Bennett Americans With Disabilities Act compliant. off our entire plan in a couple of years. from Jellico has presented some great This is important on two levels. First off These are also the people that seem to improvements for their parks, and the before we can get any other grant moneys think government has unlimited money. county has some great stuff in store for on projects we need to be in ADA The ten year projection is kind of pricey, Lonas Young Memorial Park. compliance. More importantly it is the right and even the initial phase is going to cost I have always been an advocate for thing to do to make sure as many of our some money and while there are grants sports and recreation in our area and if citizens as possible can use and enjoy our out there we have to really get phase one even half of the stuff in the ten year plan facilities. complete and be able to match a gets done, we are going to be in great percentage of the grants to really get shape. things rolling. Follow us on Twitter @VolunteerTimes

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview page 17 Ten Year Parks and Recreation Plan Delivered to Local Governments by John Muse For the past several months, local residents of The immediate need is to become ADA compliant Freeman Park – Deemed fully ADA compliant, Campbell County have been surveyed and asked in order to secure state funding for other park this small park is only in line for landscaping to attend meetings regarding parks and upgrad es, this involves repainting the parking lot upgrades in the coming years. Estimated cost recreation options provided by local and making the restrooms ADA compliant. New including contingency is $6,500.00. governments. Campbell County, Caryville, Jellico concession stands are also on tap in the 1-3 year and LaFollette worked with the CRJA-IBI group, portion of the plan. The total cost for Caryville to Lee J. Sergeant Park – This park was deemed very ADA compliant and its upgrades are focused an architectural and landscaping firm who complete its ten-year Asbury Park improvement compiled the results of these surveys and did plan is $512.599, with the majority of that cost on new playground equipment, new playground field studies and analysis of parks and falling in the 1-3-year window for restroom and surfacing and new lighting. The estimated cost, community centers throughout the county. The concession upgrades. including 20 percent contingency for Sergeant company gave the results of these surveys in a Park is $130,610.00. Jellico sought information regarding Veterans series of public meetings in LaFollette and Liberty Park – An amphitheater is in the Memorial Park. Jellico seeks to have an improved Jellico. Recently the firm delivered the final distance for Liberty Park. In order to do this, new concert venue there. Phase one for Jellico recommendations and cost estimates for each ADA compliant paths and restrooms will have to involved upgrades to the stage, new bleachers, as park, community center and proposed be built and a guardrail installed. Other upgrades well as new asphalt paving. Jellico's long term recreation area to the three municipalities and to landscaping are also on tap. The estimated plans were to build new restroom facilities on- the Campbell County government. cost of the new amphitheater and other needed site. Since Jellico currently doesn't have restroom Campbell County sought information from the facilities there, there were no ADA concerns, repairs at Liberty Park are $342,318.00 including public on Lonas Young Memorial Park. The making Jellico immediately eligible for state funds. the 20 percent contingency. majority of patrons at Lonas Young asked for The total cost to Jellico for improvements to this Ken Snodderly Park – This park was also very increased security and crime prevention, as well park was estimated to be $182, 923.20, this handicap accessible making it immediately as more camping areas, beach improvements, includes the 20 percent contingency fund. eligible for state funding. The proposed lighting improvements, needed leveling of improvements here are a new playground and LaFollette had a large list of needed tennis courts, exercise areas, picnic areas, a new new lighting. The cost, including 20 percent improvements due to the fact that LaFollette boat launch and increased parking. CRJA-IBI contingency, was estimated at $152.500.00. operates more parks and community centers than identified areas of critical need for the 1-3 year all the other municipalities combined. Pine Park – Pine Park is in need of ADA plan window and then had two additional phases, 4-6 year and 7-10 year improvements. Community Center East – Needs to become compliant parking, upgrades to the baseball field, The early phases of each plan were identified as ADA compliant with parking lot signage, new asphalt for the basketball courts and new critical in order to secure state grant money in restrooms and water fountains. The cost roadway. It also needs new bleachers and order to fund these projects. The total cost, estimates for these needed repairs was concrete repairs around the concession stands including a 20 percent contingency fund, for $77,477.40 though the survey notes that these and bathrooms. Estimated cost at Pine Park was Phase 1 at Lonas Young Memorial Park was costs could increase once restroom upgrades are $203,111.50 including the 20 percent estimated at $327.840.00. The estimated ten attempted due to possible structural reworking. contingency. year cost to fulfill all objectives there was Total cost for repairs and upgrades to all of $752,820.00 including the 20 percent Community Center West – In need of ADA LaFollette's parks and community centers over contingency fund. compliant restroom facilities, water fountains and the next ten years was 1,215,635.10, 20 percent parking signage. West was also in need of exterior Caryville's Asbury Park is in need of ADA wall repairs. This too was noted to potentially lead of this estimated cost is contingency money. compliant restroom facilities, additional parking, to structural repairs. Wall pack units were needed Once the city has all parks and community expanded playgrounds, walking trails, baseball at West as well. Total cost estimates including the centers ADA compliant, state funding becomes field improvements, lighting improvements and 20 percent contingency fee at West was available to help offset these costs. landscaping upgrades. $303,118.20. Over half of that cost was for exterior wall repair and wall pack units.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 18 The Love of a Lifetime: Dormas and Jane Miller By Jeremy Z. Young Dormas, also laughing followed up, “He told me he run it back, and as far as he could tell, Adam and Eve were Millers.” They quickly became inseparable throughout high school. “I got more whoopins for tying up the phone with [Dormas] than for anything else,” Jane said. “He was the best daddy, but we got whoopins when we deserved it.” Dormas left Campbell County after his graduation in 1960 and started a job at McCall’s Printing plant in Dayton, Ohio (see related article Mr. Deeds). Dormas returned for Jane’s graduation and the two were married two days later. During our interview, it was discovered that Dormas never actually proposed. “You never proposed to me, did you?” Jane asked somewhat insistently. “Well, I figured that out now,” Dormas replied. “Us being together and getting married was just the plan.” “I just took it for granted that this was how it was gonna be,” Jane Dormas and Jane in Hawaii said. After the couple wed in June, 1961, they made their first home in Dormas and Jane Miller lives have been joined together since high Dayton and had their only son, Eddie in September 1962. Jane had worked school. Dormas, a country boy from High Knob, spent his first years in a from the time she was 14 and continued that all of her life. When they “corn crib” type log cabin with a cook stove for heat and no electricity. returned to Campbell County in 1965, she worked at Lee Ford in the parts Jane was a girl who grew up in a house in the city of LaFollette, her department. Dormas was a mechanic there. Both Dormas and Jane accepted father was a state electrical inspector. Dormas’s family built a house on the Lord Jesus Christ on Mother’s Day, 1965 and were baptized together “in Demory Road when he was six where they shared a telephone line with Tom Hinney’s minner pond,” Dormas said. CONTINUED ON PG 22 eight other houses. Jane shared a phone with her seven sisters, four brothers and parents. “That was the normal life of most folks back then,” Dormas said. The first day of LaFollette High School was a memorable one for Jane, but perhaps more memorable for Dormas, an incoming sophomore. By Dormas & Jane 1970s chance, the two were near each other on that first day during general assembly. They haven’t spent much time apart since. “She was sitting in front of me,” Dormas said. “She turned around and looked at me and woooooooo… She took my breathe.” Spending time with this couple, married for 57 years this coming June, it is easy to see that they laugh a lot and have a lot of fun together. To see them look at each other, it is also easy to see the fondness and respect they have for one another. Jane went home that day and told her father about this special boy, the boy with the same last name as hers – Miller. “Daddy said I couldn’t have anything to do with him until he run it back to see if was were related,” Jane said laughing.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview PAGE 19 “Mr. DeeDs” DorMas Miller story ContinueD “After it was defunct, Judge Lee Asbury and Jerry “I could never have done it all without the “I’m very proud of my Christian heritage and Cross realized the potential for that area and the dedication of the staff,” he said. “Deputy Register conservative upbringing,” he continued. “And the state acquired the property for a wildlife Jane Turner, who worked with Ronnie Branam freedom we have in this country to see our dreams management area,” Miller said. “Now it has been before me. And now, Campbell County Register of fulfilled. I enjoy being in church and singing. I try to be developed into the 287,000-acre North Cumberland Deeds is recognized as probably one of the most uplifting to people when I’m asked to sing...” WMA in Campbell, Scott and Anderson counties. I complete computerized offices in the state.” Years ago, Miller made several home recordings of feel like the work we did there spawned what we “We’ve got the very first deed ever written in himself singing roughly 75 songs. He produced have now. We all can be proud of our mountains Campbell County in 1806 when it first became a between 800 and 1,000 cassette tapes and never and Norris Lake and its impact on our economy and county – Book A,” he said with pride. “All of them, charged for them. He said that people still ask if he residential properties. I’m thankful our mountain every one can be pulled up on a computer.” With has any available, but he said he doesn’t even have a areas have been preserved and can be used by the three courthouse fires since the county’s inception, copy of his own. public to enjoy.” there were beliefs that many of the deeds had With 37 years in the Register of Deeds office herself, When his park creation and management job was burned. “There were misleading thoughts that finished, Miller returned to the THP before taking a some deeds had burned,” Dormas continued. “But it isn’t hard to see why Dormas is pushing for Wilma J. Turner (June) to win the election to the office in position with the LaFollette Police Department in that’s not true… We have every deed and every 1986. He became a certified hostage negotiator, book from the beginning.” August, 2018. “I give credit to June Turner who is our office manager and deputy register for keeping such among other recognition. He served as the city’s Many of the original land grants issued by the impeccable bookkeeping. It’s common knowledge domestic violence investigator. state before Campbell was a county are preserved that I would like to see June Turner elected because Miller first threw a political hat into the ring for at the register’s office, some dating back to the of the years she has dedicated to serving the county Campbell County Sheriff in 1990, the first year Ron 1790s. A big part of Campbell County was created and the register’s office. No one is more qualified. It’s McClellan was elected to that post. In 2002, with 16 from Cherokee Indian territory which included only good common sense and business practice that years of service as a LaFollette Police Officer he was parts of what is now Anderson and Claiborne someone experienced and qualified continue elected as the county’s Register of Deeds. counties, Miller said. excellent service to the citizens of Campbell County.” Looking back on about 16 years with THP, 16 years What will Dormas do in his retirement? He says At deadline for this article, nine potential candidates with LPD and 16 years as Register of Deeds, Dormas that anyone who knows him already knows the had picked up paperwork to be on the ballot. Of shed some light on the register’s job. answer. For the rest of us, he smiles a big smile as those, only three had returned the paperwork, he thinks of the things he enjoys most. “I’m a nut including Turner. The deadline for candidates to turn “It should be called the county recorder’s office,” for the west,” Dormas smiled. “Wyoming, in their petitions to run for office is April 5, so more Miller said. “When people see the property transfers Colorado, Utah, Montana and all of the western candidates could still file to be on the ballot. The in the paper every week they think that’s all we do. states.” He said that he and Jane will enjoy their deadline to register to vote in the August 2, 2018 We record so many, many different documents that time camping and traveling, four-wheeling and county general election is July 3. property transfers and recording of deeds is only other outdoor activities they love to do together, about 2% of the work we do.” With that said, Miller said that he and his staff “will do and of course, going to church together. Mortgages, leases, assignments from one bank to “Colorado’s probably my favorite state because it everything to train and be of every help we can to the another, previous owners, mineral rights, judgment has unlimited four-wheeling,” he continued. “I’m next register.” liens where property owners failed to pay their looking forward to retirement. We’ve been going credit cards, as well as other liens filed against out west for 40 years… I’m looking forward to WWW.THEVOLUNTEERTIMES.COM property owners is just the beginning of the list of more travel, more time outdoors and continuing to documents recorded in the Campbell County be active in church.” Register of Deeds office. Warranty Deeds, Trust Deeds, Quit Claim Deeds are on that list. The Register also maintains plat maps of subdivisions and properties in the county, Last Will and Testaments, and Power of Attorney documents are all filed here. While it isn’t required by law, Veterans can file their discharge papers with the Register of Deeds office, which helps the county to maintain a record of local Veterans, as well as the records of Veterans who move into the county. Still, this is not a complete list of every type of record maintained in this office. “And we must be able to pull those filings up in our computer system and see if the liens/judgments have been released or are still active,” Miller said. “Everybody wants to be register because they think it’s a gravy train with biscuit wheels,” Dormas laughed. “Right now, in Campbell County there are over 40,000 deeded parcels of land and we keep up with every one of them. We must be able to retrieve every document on that parcel of land and what Above- June Turner, an employee and tract it was separated from and when. Every tract of Deputy Register of the Register of Deeds land came from another tract and it all has to be office for 38 years, helps a customer with documented.” documentation about a piece of property. “When I got here, there were no computers and we started computerizing everything then,” he continued. “That was a tremendous task. It was like Left- Hanging in the Campbell County having an auto parts warehouse with parts for every Register of Deeds office is the original kind of car without knowing what, was what. plat maps of Jellico (pictured) and Outside of some of the older books that had to be LaFollette. This map from 1890 is still a rebound, we did it mostly in house. There were a lot valuable tool to those researching of hours spent typing on keyboards with the book property. and page to determine what book and what documents went to what deeds. That was a tremendous undertaking.”

Vo lunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 20 hello, motherhood It’s okay to let go, and walk away By Lindsey Bradley I’ve always had so much pride in myself. I try and maintain this picture-perfect-Instagram- worthy family, that I’ve been pushing my family’s skeletons further and further back into our closet. Living in a small town it’s easy to try and mask your situation rather than being honest when someone asks how so-and-so is. I covered up our problems. I didn’t want people to know that my relationship was crumbling because I was above that. After a while though, things got so out of control that I couldn’t keep things on lock down anymore. It was out. We were over. My life was a mess. I didn’t know how to even begin to pick up the pieces and was so angry that I let myself get wrapped up in such chaos. What happened to that perfect life that I was so close to having? How did we end up here? I eventually had to just pick myself and my children up, and just walk away. When I fell in love, I didn’t realize that meant falling down so low it would take me years to stand back up again. After the smoke had cleared, I would be left standing on my own. I may be winging it by myself, walking over unfolded laundry and Legos, but at least I’m not walking on eggshells. Sometimes we let ourselves get sucked into an emotional roller coaster ride. The ride is set to crash from the beginning, but we think we can fix it. Not every broken relationship is salvageable, and that’s okay. What’s not, is thinking that roller coaster is normal like me. I’ve associated that roller coaster with love, thinking that was how things were supposed to feel. I let someone ruin me and the love I once believed in so strongly. I was happy before but I let someone turn my heart, that used to be filled with magic, into something that was dark and numb. You’re not supposed to sit and wait for the love that you deserve. I’m not waiting any longer. And you know what? I’m responsible for that mess, too. because I allowed that relationship to However bitter I may seem at how my life When I start to sink, that’s when I swim my happen for so long. I allowed myself to be an changed, I am thankful for every bit of it. I can’t hardest. This is my time to focus on me and my emotional punching bag every time something imagine waking up twenty years from now and healing process. I need to meet Lindsey again; went wrong in their life, I was the one who felt the realizing that I’d wasted my life trying to bring it’s been too long. emotional blow. Don’t let yourself create a façade out the best version of someone, when I had let of happiness, because believe me when I say that myself go in the process. I can’t forgive you just you will destroy yourself mentally trying to fix yet, but I will one day. Eventually all those Only I can change everything. draining memories will fade and my heart will be my life. No one You can’t fix everything. You will come across full again. . It’s devastating to finally realize all of people in life that want to live their lives, with the time and energy you wasted that you can can do it for me. -- doing things on their own time. They will expect never get back. However, without that struggle, I you to live up to their perfect standards. This is a wouldn’t be where I am today. I have learned Carol Burnett very toxic and one-sided relationship that you can’t one thing though: I thrive in the struggle. keep holding on to. We do a lot of Facebook Live but for some other great video of local sports, homecomings, etc., we go back years in archive. Copy and Paste the link below into your browser to see our Community Choice Awards, Sports and more… https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+volunteer+times

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 21 2 Annual Volunteer Times nd Community Choice Awards Coming to you in May 2018

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 22 Dormas and Jane Continued 1 2 While Dormas worked with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Jane started working with Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc. She made her career at that for 38 years, garnering several top seller awards and all expense paid vacations. As a repeat top seller for the company, Jane won several trips to Hawaii, Acapulco, London, England and the Bahamas for the couple to enjoy. When the company went out of business in 2008, Jane continued with some of the others who worked there to keep a similar company operating. When that went out of business in 2012, Jane retired. She continues to be an active volunteer in the community and church. “Being with Home Interiors was hard work, 4 but it was real rewarding,” Jane said. During those years, they began what has become an obsession with the western states. Since 1975, they have traveled to Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and all over the west. They went to rodeos in Texas and other 3 5 states, and their love of the west has continued to grow. They have continued traveling out west since then, seeing the Redwood Forest, Yosemite Park, the Grand Canyon and other great places they enjoy. With Dormas set to retire this year, they intend to travel and do more of the things they love to do together. Still joking and cutting up, they both agreed, “We don’t know how it’ll be [with both of them being retired].” The Millers don’t see their life together as 7 anything that would interest other people. 6 “We ain’t done nothing people want to hear about,” Jane said. “We’re just a couple a sticks in the mud,” Dormas said laughing. However, they have done something that is interesting to many. They have accomplished something most couples do not – 56 years of marriage that is still going strong. And they’ve done it by working hard, having fun and enjoying each other’s company. To young husbands, Dormas advises, “Try to 8 show affection for each other constantly. And if you have a spat, make up as quick as possible. Do things together in your spare time.” Jane agreed, “We was always working 9 all the time. That’s what made our free time together special.” “Live right, and stay in church together,” Dormas added. “It keeps you out of trouble.” Dormas also told of the importance of spending time with family while they are alive, talking about his and Jane’s parents and relatives who have gone on. Attending family reunions and staying close with relatives has been a big part of both of their lives. “Don’t think it’s unmasculine to do things around the house,” Dormas continued. “A husband and wife need to work together and 10 11 be interested in what the other is doing.” Later, Jane echoed what Dormas had said. “Working together is what makes it work,” she said. “Each one helps the other. There is no ‘I’ in ‘TEAM.’ And you’ve got to work together as a team.” “I still can’t wait until Dormas gets home and I miss him when he leaves in the morning,” Jane said fondly. “We’ve stayed in church and that’s what makes you strong… You see things differently.” “It’s been a great life,” Jane finished. “It’s not been perfect, but whose is… But I couldn’t imagine it any other way. We’re just #1- Dormas and Jane early 1990s. #2- Dormas and Jane’s wedding day #3 Dormas Miller, LaFollette High School Senior happy people.” 1960. #4- Jane Miller, LaFollette High School. #5- Dormas and Jane singing together at an awards banquet in the early 2000s.#6- One of the many funny things Dormas done for Jane over the years is a collage of these two pictures of him eating and labeled 1982 and 1992. “The More things change, the more they stay the same.” #7- Dormas, Jane and their son Eddie Miller in 2007. #8- Jane Miller while working at Lee Ford in the late 1960s. #9- One of many trips out west. #10- Relaxing in their home #11- Dormas playing guitar sometime in the 1980s.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 23 “Service Above Self” in Action If the students were disappointed that they handy when there wasn’t a computer to be weren’t receiving lap tops, they didn’t show found, and it was less likely to be damaged their dismay. Some of them began leafing if dropped. By Jim Dossett through the dictionaries immediately, and several curious kids could be seen practicing The students looked up several words, hand signals; sign language for the deaf that and after that drill, Dossett took the is included in the book, along with a plethora opportunity to put a plug in for Rotary. rd Ms. Barton’s 3 grade class was studying of other things of interest to third graders, and “Our Rotary Club is part of a world-wide “canines” when their learning was interrupted by adults as well. The students jumped when organization, which is designed to help a squad of adults bearing gifts. After introducing Dossett tossed one of the books into the air, themselves, Debbie Farmer Samples, President and it landed with a “smack” on the tiled floor. others. Our motto is “Service Above Self”, does anyone know what that means?” of the Rotary Club of South Campbell County, Jim Dossett, Secretary, and his wife, Brenda, “What would happen if you dropped your The same young fellow answered again. began fulfilling the reason for their trek to Jellico. laptop on the floor?” asked Dossett, and he “It means helping someone else before you received an immediate reply. help yourself.” “Remember that. And “How many of you have lap tops?” queried remember, when you help someone else, Dossett, and immediately, hands belonging to “We’d have to go out and buy another,” said most of the students shot into the air. “How many a young man in the front row, and several of that kindness will be returned to you. You’ll know when, if you pay attention to, and are of you know what ‘Google’ is?” he said, and the students had a look on their faces that thankful for all of the gifts you receive,” said again, students proudly raised their hands, as spoke: “My mom would kill me.” Debbie and Brenda distributed dictionaries to Dossett picked up the dictionary, and Dossett. each of them. Continued on Page 18 proceeded, telling students that the book was

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 24 Rotary Continued The Rotarians departed to a musical chorus of “Thank you” from the children and made their way to another classroom. According to Dossett, a ten-year veteran of Rotary, the Dictionary Distribution Project has been in effect for many years, with dictionaries distributed to every third grader in Campbell County. “It’s been a real pleasure for me and my colleagues, and I always look forward to it,” he said, noting that the books were paid for this year, and last year, by Sam Balloff, brother of the late attorney, Ed Balloff. “Sam and his son distribute books to the school kids in Mountain communities where they [the Balloff brothers] played prominent roles in helping families when the coal industry was failing,” said Dossett. Later, he gave some specifics, saying that The Rotary Club of South Campbell County is a small, but important cog in the Rotary wheel, which consists of over 33,000 members in over 200 countries. “Our Rotary club is active in supporting humanitarian services in our own community too,” he said. That commitment is highlighted in many ways, and recently, under the direction of Debbie, the club initiated a grant program to benefit area non-profit organizations. At a recent weekly meeting, representatives of various 501(c)(3) organizations were invited to receive $250 donations each from the club to assist with their humanitarian endeavors. Those organizations include: The Campbell Culture Coalition, The Connection, CASA, The Shepherd’s Home, Family Services, and The Coalition for the Homeless. Samples said revenue generated for the The local Rotary donations comes from projects like: The Chili Chapter meets on Luncheon, The Annual Golf Tournament, The Citizen Tuesday afternoons of the Year Program, and other events. On other at LaFollette occasions this Rotary year, donations have been Methodist Church made to The Imagination Library, and funding for a Fellowship Hall Public Lands Cleanup. “Don’t forget the Pancake regularly. Breakfast, coming up on March 2,” added Dossett. The funds from that program will be used in the continuing effort to eradicate Polio worldwide. Really? YES REALLY!!! The Volunteer Times is scheduled to have the first ever Volunteer Times, News Year’s Eve Ball drop & Musical show in LaFollette this year!!! Don’t miss it!

Volunteer times Campbell County Preview Page 25 If there is one thing I know Patrick and John know how to do, it’s eat. I’ve been feeding those guys for a long time and not only do they eat impressively they have a great talent for preparing food as well. They know and recognize culinary imagination when they come across it and are happy to try some of your local favorites and report back their opinions. If you have a specialty item on your menu you would like Pat and John to give a whirl and feature in the next “Foodie” edition let us know. Kelli Jo [email protected] This month Subsational Deli By: Patrick Pebley/John Muse deli with a number of sides and a build your sandwiches are only 5 dollars, 6 dollars with a John-This month for foodie we tried out the own salad option. I love good potato salad drink and for $6.95 you can get a side, a new deli/sub shop Subsational Deli that has and find that a risky proposition in many sandwich and a drink. You'll fill your stomach opened along the main highway through town restaurants, but it's a home run at with great food for under 10 dollars. For you across from Gamble Motors or just past the Subsational. The chicken, bacon, ranch pasta folks sitting at home or stuck at the office, red light on the right if traveling towards was excellent, and I don't even normally like Subsational delivers for a small fee, all the Jacksboro, just past IGA on the left if ranch dressing. way from Caryville to Speedwell. traveling towards LaFollette. I ordered the They also offer a variety of desserts such Having a party, a wedding, or any other Italian sandwich, a favorite of mine, on Italian as fudge, cookies, pies, brownies, cupcakes event? Subsational Deli caters with meat bread. The sandwich was delicious, a true and other treats to make a sweet finish for trays, sandwiches, made to order birthday taste of a classic deli. Fresh crisp veggies and your meal. The menu varies with a variety of Continued on Page 26 perfectly sliced meats made it a tasty treat. daily specials as well. The best part, the This is a true

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 26 Foodie Continued cupcakes, and their entire menu of side items. Just give them 24 hours notice. They even offer staff to serve at your party/reception. Subsational is also a true deli, you can come in and buy meats by the pound, sides by the pound and even pick up drinks or other items. The food is tasty, and the service was prompt and friendly. Subsational Deli is open 9am to 9pm Monday-Saturday. Patrick- As John has pointed out there is quite the variety at the Subsational Deli. I was actually overwhelmed and had a very hard time deciding. I ended up going with a classic. I got a club sandwich on pumpernickel bread (which is my favorite sandwich bread). It did not disappoint. I do have a minor regret not getting the meatball sub but they will be delivering me one soon. The bread was fresh and tasty, the meat was excellent, and they understood what I meant when I told them I loved mayo. I could eat the club every time and be happy, though I feel I would be cheating myself of a variety of great sandwiches. My favorite side was the macaroni salad. They also have an excellent peanut butter cookie. I also want to point out they have a daily special as well. I am especially intrigued by their Monday spaghetti and meatballs and Saturday tacos. They literally have something for everyone here, delivery and catering. They may be the most full- service eatery in town. We have many great places to eat in LaFollette but if you do not add Subsational Deli to your hometown eating rotation I genuinely pity you. Hack Ayers receives the 2018 Boy Scouts of America Campbell County Good Scout Award Hack Ayers is a life-long resident of Mr. Ayers’ three daughters, Debra Campbell County. A graduate of Jacksboro Nelson, Traci Dower, and Codi Provins, High School in 1954, he was class president will share the speaker duties. Hack’s and captain of the football team. He has been great nephew and Eagle Scout, Noah the owner and operator of Ayers Real Estate Smith, will serve as the master of and Auction for over 60 years. A life-long ceremonies. Nineteen Campbell County realtor and auctioneer, Hack has served as citizens will serve as table hosts. president of the Tennessee Auctioneers Peoples Bank of the South is proud to Association and is a member of its Hall of underwrite the dinner’s expense for the Fame. He is also past president and member eleventh year. The bank understands of the National Auctioneers Association Hall the hugely important impact scouting of Fame. Hack has served the state and has on the boys and girls of Campbell community in various capacities. He was the County. Campbell County Clerk for four years and The previous award recipients are Mr. served as our Tennessee State Edward Balloff, Mrs. Juanita Baird, Logan Hickman, chairman of the eleventh annual Boy Representative from 1966 to 1970. He has Colonel Tommy C. Stiner, the five Baird Scouts of America Campbell County Good Scout Award also served on the board of the Museum of brothers, General Carl W. Stiner, the Dinner, is pleased to announce that the 2018 honoree is Appalachia and on the board of four Campbell County Honor Guard, Mr. long time Campbell County resident Sterling Haskel community banks. He is an active member of Lansden E. Hill, the Campbell County (Hack) Ayers. Hack Ayers is a country auctioneer from the LaFollette Church of God. He is also a High School football team coaching staff, Stinking Creek, Tennessee. This yearly ceremony and charter member of the South Campbell Mr. Mike Malicote, and Mr. John T. dinner will occur at the Ball Farm Event Center, 2107 County Rotary Club. In 2015, he published Reynolds. General Carl W. Stiner Highway, LaFollette on Thursday, his autobiography, Hills, Deals, and March 15, 2018 at 6:00 PM. The money raised at the Stills. Hack and his wife, Tomi, have been Thank you for reading event will support Campbell County scouting in married 62 years. They have three children, the Volunteer Times 2018. This yearly dinner has evolved into Campbell seven grandchildren, and six (soon to be Preview County’s premier recognition banquet. seven) great grandchildren. www.thevolunteertimes.com

The Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 27 EL Morton Continued Over that same period, it is Major renovations at KFC and Family Our Highway Department is the best encouraging to see our average ACT Dollar show resilience and promise for funded in our county history and they test score rise from an average score of competitive pricing for consumers, which have paved a bunch of roads that 15 to over 18 today. That is a huge leap usually leads to increases in sales receipts. desperately needed it in the White Oak and we are on our way to the goal of an When I see restaurants thriving along and Big Creek communities and many average score of 21 just over the Tennessee Avenue in LaFollette, Shoe others. With the state plan in place, I horizon. Another achievement that Stores expanding along Main Street in am hopeful we can reach viable followed increased funding is a Caryville and boutiques growing in Jellico, solutions soon to improve Stinking graduation rate of 93% compared to a I get excited for our retail future. Creek Road and Mountain Road from state average of 89%. Our teachers are TOURISM/RETIREMENT Ivy Grove Church in Caryville to the working hard, and our students are too. county bridge in the southwest corner So, school funding is a key to our When I took office in 2014, we of the county. Our Tourism and success and a far cry from the days of generated $49M annually in tourism Business brands now have bragging minimum funding. May we never receipts across the county. Since then, rights on paved roads, where many return to there and continue to rise from we’ve grown on an average of over $2M counties our size still have a majority here. per year to top $57M in sales today. While of gravel roads in the rural areas. We the county has kept $48K in promotions have more work to do, but our road TAX BASE grants at work in the Chamber and building tool box is a lot bigger than it While our tax base has grown Tourism Programs, we enjoy a business was when I took this job. slowly, and mostly by appreciation base that spends ten times that amount from renovations, additions and countywide to reach ever expanding EMERGENCY SHELTERS improvements, there are measures we markets. Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Atlanta For my entire term, the County can take and have taken for future and Nashville Boat Shows regularly see Emergency Manager, Jay Muncie, has payoff. By the end of the current tax Campbell County businesses displaying remained attuned to weather and sale that is underway, my staff and I their offerings and booking vacations. That traffic delays across the county. The will have returned nearly a hundred is a tremendous reach for our brand. Water, county owns no buildings that properties to the tax rolls through these trails and adventure- that’s us and it sells. facilitate extended life support. Our auctions or economic incentives. That The new economic development website school board and some of our cities bodes well, since for at least three we built last year compliments not only however, own buildings that serve that years, these properties generated no manufacturing and education, but tourism purpose well. It is commonplace to see property taxes. The last two tax sales and retirement living too. We’ve been in Jay set up temporary shelters in netted $25-30K in sales alone and this the Retire Tennessee program for two Caryville School, Jellico High or the sale will generate at least that number. years now and that adds trade shows West LaFollette Recreation Center. The really good news is that future marketing to retirees in Chicago, New Jay maintains a Red Cross Trailer with taxes are on the order of $50-60K per York and New Jersey with the potential to over fifty cots, blankets and pillows, year and three fold if they have homes reach other major city markets. My office water and food. In the event of snow built upon them. That is a powerful flip has worked closely with the City of storms, or extreme cold weather, from a dire negative, to annual revenues LaFollette, the Louie Bluie Committee and we’ve housed up to 40 people in that will yield for generations. our Tourism Programming at the Chamber temporary shelters with the help of the to produce quality music and arts and ATV Red Cross and more recently the RETAIL festivals, fishing tournaments and Tennessee Valley Coalition to end An experienced local retail watershed clean up efforts to ensure a Homelessness. In years past, I’ve landlord recently told me she has the clean Campbell County for our citizens joined Jay in relocating people back to highest occupancy in her Campbell and our tourists. Those festivals and their homes when snow drifts and ice County business history and I believe tournaments increase traffic count and they make roads dangerous or when cars it. To see businesses like Burkes Outlet, draw people who spend lots of money run out of gas and heaters stop Farmers Home Furnishings and several here. That’s our goal. working. That is a regular service boutiques like Sun Gypsy in Jellico and ROADS we’ve provided every year since I Southern Sass in Jacksboro and I mentioned the Tennessee have taken office. Continued Pg 32 Blackberry Charm in LaFollette Legislature’s roads funding plan earlier “Life’s most growing and increasing inventories is and what it has meant to our state. Not persistent and encouraging. Over the past three years only has the state created an additional we’ve seen Tractor Supply, Weigels $550K in annual roads funding, your urgent question is and now Dairy Queen pop up along the What are you doing Campbell County Commission has LaFollette cash register highway. for others?” – Martin provided an additional $885K in 2015 and 2016, and $350K in 2017 to improve Luther King, Jr roads.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 28 MEET THE COUGARS Haley Skylar Comer Boshears

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 29 Meet the Cougars: Haley Comer by John Muse Haley Comer is a junior forward on the Campbell County Lady Cougar basketball team. She's also very active in JROTC and AAU basketball. Q: What is your favorite food? A: Definitely chicken or pizza. Better yet, chicken on pizza! Q: Would you rather be the driver or a passenger? A: Passenger. Q: Netflix or go to a movie theater? A: Going to a movie theater for sure. Q: What are your plans for your senior year? A: I want to get more academically prepared for college and get in better physical shape for sports. Q: Who is someone you look up to in life? A: My dad, Brian Comer. He works very hard for us and has shown by example that hard work pays off. Q: What are your plans after high school? A: I want to go to college and then join the Air Force after college. I'm thinking of going into physical therapy. Meet the Cougars: Skylar Boshears By John Muse Skylar Boshears is a junior forward/guard on the Lady Cougars basketball team. The phenom has already surpassed the 1000-point mark in her career two and a half years into it. She's also committed to play Division 1 basketball for the Furman Purple Paladins. Q: What is your favorite food? A: Chicken Q: Would you rather go to the movies or watch Netflix at home? A: Go to a movie for sure. Q: What kind of day off do you prefer, a snow day or a day of summer vacation? A: Summer vacation, definitely. Q: Who is someone you look up to or inspires you in life. A: My AAU coach, Jeff Kyle. Q: What are you planning on studying at Furman University? A: Sports Medicine. Q: What are your plans for your senior year to be a better student athlete? A: I'm going to work hard to keep my grades up and to stay in great basketball shape. th Q: What would you tell an 8 grader who is going to arrive at CCHS next year? A: Set goals and work towards them. Never stop trying and always push yourself no matter what you're trying to do. Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back…. play for her.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 30 Cougars Held 2017 Football Banquet with a packed house. L TO R Shawn Marcum Volunteer Times Offensive MVP. Elijah Phillips Volunteer Times Defensive MVP. Zach Rutherford Volunteer Times Player of the Year.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 31 Pat's Place: Remembering Rex by Patrick Pebley I can talk about a lot of people that have When we got there the varsity went to One day I was working semi-late and killing been a positive influence on my life over the scrimmage on the regular game field. As the time because it was easier to stay at the office at years. I could not write that list without JV, we were relegated to a “practice field.” I the mall than going home and then back to the including Rex Hickey. use that term loosely because this was more of game. Rex was there working too, as he was Rex and I had a long and often humorous a smelly, muddy pit. The players all looked as teaching at the time and this was just his history together. We started out as football if they had been rolling around in a pig sty by standard work schedule. Tina was closing up the coaches together and later would work at the the end of the scrimmage. Unfortunately, Rex office aspect of the Times when a fellow Times together. Needless to say, I could write and I had been walking in the same slop. This wandered in. He wanted to insert a birthday volumes, but I will try to hold this to a couple pit had the added bonus of being a rotting announcement or some such something. Rex of my favorite Rex stories. ground for leaves. It actually smelled like we went out to join Tina in getting the info, so he My earliest days with Rex were coaching had been playing at a sewage plant. When we could enter it in the computer afterwards and I JV football at Jacksboro. I was still very young got back to the van, poor Tina was looking at kept on doing my thing. in my coaching career but was more seasoned us as if we were a pair of homeless people Rex made his way back to the newsroom and and not in the “I will run everyone on this team who had just asked to bathe her children. In Tina stayed out front. It turns out the fellow had till they vomit” stage anymore. Yet I was still her defense we smelled the part. At this point asked to use our restroom as well. No big deal way more of and X's and O's coach and was I was looking at the prospect of Rex and I we often had folks use it. This was when Tina not very relatable to the players. Rex was a walking home. Fortunately, Tina is a very came in and informed us that she had also been perfect counterpoint to me. He was a Jimmy's tolerant person and after we took our shoes cleaning the restrooms at the time and had yet to and Joe's coach, meaning he really was able to off and cleaned them as best we could, she restock the toilet paper. Well Rex and I certainly relate to and work with the players as young finally relented and let us in the van. did not know what to do and we started plotting men. Years later Rex and I got to reunite on the our exit strategy, which included just locking the I guess Rex probably was more responsible sidelines when I made my final run as an guy in and letting Gregg or Kelli Jo find him in for finally smoothing out my remaining rough Eagle coach. This was also roughly the time I the morning. Tina looked at us like we had each edges, and I would like to think I was able to started as a part time sports guy at the Times. grown a second head. After several minutes we help him advance his knowledge of the game. Rex was working as a columnist and beat actually heard the bathroom door open and the But let's be honest, the stories you want to hear writer and Tina was one of the key cogs in the fellow leave. We quickly locked up. When we are the funny ones. So here you go. production machine there. This also led to went into the bathroom to figure out how the As we were prepping for the season we many good times and a funny story or ten. fellow dealt with the lack of toilet paper, we traveled to a variety of places, including a I often marveled at Rex's tales of how they found an empty container of the Clorox wipes preseason scrimmage at Wartburg. If you know used to lay things out on a wax board rather that we routinely used to clean said restroom. I me, you know I get motion sick extremely than on the computer. It made me realize I had can only imagine how that must have felt. easily. Coach Bruce, not wanting me to turn gotten into the newspaper business at the right Rex left us a few years back after a strong and the team bus into the Vomit Comet allowed time. But again, the stories you want to hear courageous battle with cancer. I miss that guy on Rex and I to drive over in his van. His wife are the humorous ones. so many levels. I know he touched many of us as Tina and children Rex II and Bryce also joined a teacher, a coach and a mentor. I hope that any us. Fortunately for them it was a puke free of you that knew Rex can read this and smile. I ride. know I did while writing it. www.thevolunteertimes.com

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 32 Pat's Wrestling Memories: Mid-South Wrestling I’m gonna go a slightly different route this He had a legendary feud with the Fabulous At one point Mid-South almost became the month and focus on a promotion rather than an Freebirds that seemed to end when they second major player on the national individual. Today we are gonna discuss Mid- rendered JYD blind. Not to be deterred, a blind wrestling scene. Vince McMahon had South Wrestling. The area has its roots in Leroy JYD battled the leader of the Freebirds, bought Georgia Championship Wrestling McGurk's Tri State Wrestling, an NWA territory Michael PS Hayes in a dog collar match in a for their coveted time slot at 6:05 p.m. on that started in the 50's. One of the more popular show that drew a staggering 30,000 fans. That WTBS. This upset Ted Turner who was a wrestlers in Tri State was Cowboy Bill Watts, a number is impressive but is even more huge wrestling fan and was very upset, as rough and tumble brawler. impressive when you realize Mid-South had he did not like the product WWF was In 1979, Watts bought Tri State and changed been in business less than a year. providing him. Turner was promised a 2- the name to Mid-South. In a move that was fairly JYD was not the only notable alumni of Mid- hour studio wrestling show and McMahon unheard of at the time, Watts withdrew from the South. Ted Dibiase, Dr. Death Steve Williams, was simply sending highlights from other NWA, though he did occasionally fork out big Magnum TA and the Midnight Express all WWF shows. Turner, an avowed wrestling money to bring their champion in. Watts began passed through the area before becoming stars fan, liked what he saw and approached expanding his territory and started running in on the national stage. Watts. Unfortunately for Watts, Jim Barnett Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Dibiase goes into great detail about his time managed to broker a deal for Jim Crockett Mississippi. This was a very wide area for a in Mid-South in his book, “Every Man Has His Promotions to take the slot. While this gave regional promotion, especially one that was not Price.” Dibiase was a beloved hero there long the NWA/WCW the shot, it was not the end part of the NWA. before he was the filthy rich and evil Million for Watts and his attempt to go nationwide Due to the fact that they did not run in our Dollar Man. Dibiase was one of the most with his product. In fact we will learn more area and were not part of the NWA, I had no real beloved men in the area and even battled NWA about this next month in part 2 of this as exposure to Mid-South. In fact, Watts was even World Champion Ric Flair when Watts would Watts transitions Mid-South to the reluctant to let the Pro Wrestling Illustrated bring him in. But this was not to last. Dibiase Universal Wrestling Federation. family of magazines cover his area. In fact, turned his back on his partner JYD and became growing up Mid-South was just a legend to me. a villain that was just as diabolical as his A great promotion with athletes and story lines Million Dollar Man persona, maybe even more that rivaled anything on my wrestling plate. so. Dibiase began wearing a black glove which In spite of his lack of any national exposure, he would often “load” with a foreign object to Watts ran a wildly successful promotion. He was aid him in winning. If not for his Mid-South also ground breaking in the fact that he ran a run we may have never gotten to know the black man as his top star. While normal today, it Million Dollar Man, who is one of the greatest was unheard of in wrestling then. That man was heels in WWF history. As a side note, I met the Junkyard Dog. Before he became a cartoon Dibiase at Tri Star Comic Con in Knoxville last character in the WWF, JYD was a beloved figure November, and there is not a more genuine or in the Mid-South. nice fellow out there. He spoke highly of his time with Watts in Mid-South. Debuting in the March issue of the Volunteer Times our new Home and Garden feature. Be sure to follow the Volunteer Times Preview to view interiors/exteriors and gardens of our counties most beautiful properties. Who will be the first? You’ll have to wait and see. You may be the next feature in our Home and Garden feature.

Volunteer Times Campbell County Preview Page 33 EL Continued First, Exits 144 and 156 are going to have broadband access, so we have a real expectation that those two exchanges can BROADBAND ACCESS begin to grow an economy. Counties that have no interstate Last year, we were successful in gaining grant dollars to consider interstate exchanges equal to industrial parks and expand broadband across the northern tier of the county. Since we should too. Traffic count is the first indicator of our grant award from the Appalachian Regional Commission, economic potential, so those two exchanges are ‘no- our state legislature has appropriated more funding for that brainers’ for places to focus our development efforts. purpose. Those dollars are targeted at priorities set by Secondly, broadband access on Norris Lake and the ridges Governor Haslam’s Rural Task Force, on which I served, so surrounding it keeps our attractions competitive with other we continue to be competitive for more funding from that vacation destinations like Myrtle Beach and Panama City. source. Additionally, President Trump signed Executive One thing is true about vacationers: NO ONE wants to Orders in Nashville last month to direct more federal dollars disconnect from work or social media while on a family toward thickening the broadband tower grid on public lands in vacation. rural areas. Between TWRA, TVA and State Parks, Campbell County is blessed with public lands, so we will compete hard MOVING FORWARD to compliment the new broadband in the loop formed by Pioneer, Elk Valley, Jellico, Morley, Chaska, Wynn I am excited about what we’ve been able to achieve in Habersham and Stinking Creek. I have already begun Campbell County and what our future holds. I see a future discussions with the Appalachian Regional Commission about with great earning opportunities without a commute outside a second phase of funding to extend from Morley to White the county, an education system that sets conditions for our Oak, Roses Creek and Davis Creek and following phases to children to excel toward a rewarding working life, and that Speedwell, Flat Hollow, Bethlehem, Victory, Alder Springs, creates a draw for businesses to come here. I think we have Coolidge, Demory, Grantsboro, Murrayville, Pinecrest, every reason to believe each of our interstate exchanges can Macedonia and Oak Grove. produce great economic value and jobs while providing doorways for the world into our mountains, lakes, music, With these improvements, our students will not only scenery, people and business opportunities. Continued have broadband access at school, but they can expect it at investment in education, infrastructure, jobs and technology home too. That is the biggest impact on day to day living, but will pay off for Campbell County. It is doing so today, and there are two other keys. it will continue in our future. Thank you for reading. As always, we appreciate your continued support. Volunteer Times